Page 35 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“Looks like you lose,” Harvey's voice whispers darkly in my ear, his tone laced with glee. He’s loving every minute of this.

I squeeze my eyes shut. Blowing out a breath, I spin on my heel to face them, forcing a smile to hide my disappointment.

“I’ve got to admit, I thought you’d be worse,” he says with a hint of honesty.

“Yeah, Mom, with practice you could be better,” Chad adds innocently.

I stare at my six-year-old, like,why are you throwing words I say to you back at me?

“I’ll have to practice with you,” I say.

“And Harvey? He would be a good teacher. He’s really good,” Chad exclaims, oblivious to my discomfort.

Gritting my teeth, I flick my gaze to Harvey. His eyebrow lifts. “I’m really good.”

I don’t want to spend more time with Harvey, well, any more than necessary. Work will be torturous enough, but Chad really enjoys having Harvey around. I can see how much he likes it, and it makes things more complicated for me.

“I won, which means I can buy the treats,” Harvey says, his tone light, and victorious.

“I’m thirsty,” Chad says.

“I forgot your water, sorry. We should just go home,” I suggest.

And we could send Harvey on his way.

“I’ll buy one at the corner store,” Harvey says.

“Yeah, Mom. The shops have water,” Chad interjects.

I sigh with defeat. Harvey puts his shirt back on, and I can finally concentrate again.

As Harvey makes his way out, I follow the boys, and we leave the courts.

We end up at Sugar Cafe. When I’m inside, I stop to read the menu. Harvey announces he’ll order himself a milkshake, and he turns to me, his gaze penetrating, giving me a look that sends a shiver down my spine. “What will you have?”

“Nothing, I’m fine,” I reply, my discomfort palpable.

He stares at me, his gaze unwavering, but instead of calling me out, he bends down to Chad and whispers, “What does Mom like?”

“Chocolate.”

Harvey straightens, wearing a wicked smirk that sends a flush creeping up my neck.

I mouth, “Traitor.”

His grin widens, and I feel my lips twitch, so I turn to call over my shoulder, “I’ll find seats. Chad, come on.”

“I’ll help Harvey,” Chad says with enthusiasm.

What?

I guess he found his new favorite person.

My bottom lip drops, and I stare at Chad, who is looking up at Harvey like he’s his new idol.

I shake my head and walk off to grab a table.

A few minutes later, Harvey comes back with two chocolate milkshakes and a cotton candy one for Chad. He also has a white paper bag.

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